AP cotton output seen at 7.5 million bales

Cotton production in the country is expected to be 37 million bales in 2013-14 with Gujarat accounting for nearly one-third at 12 million bales, higher than the previous year, according to the Indian Cotton Federation (ICF).

The federation attributed the improved crop and better yield to favourable climatic conditions and also timely South West monsoon in almost all the major cotton producing states.

According to ICF's crop estimates, Gujarat is expected to produce 12 million bales (170 kg each) followed by Andhra Pradesh (7.5 million) Maharashtra (7 milion) and Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan 6 milion bales each.

Madhya Pradesh's production was estimated to be 1.8 milion, Karnataka (1.6 million) Tamil Nadu (500,000 ), Odisha (400,000) and others 200,000 bales during the season beginning October-September, ICF said.
 
Cotton production was at 35 million bales during 2012-13.